Saudi Arabia to stand by Pakistan: King Abdullah

JEDDAH: Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Friday underlining the historical close bonds with Pakistan said Saudi Arabia would always stand by Pakistan.He was talking to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who had an audience with King Abdullah here at his palace. The Prime Minister, accompanied by Finance Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, were warmly received by the Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at his palace, a statement issued from the PM House said. Senior Saudi leadership and key aides of the Saudi King including Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Crown Prince and Second Deputy Prime Minister Prince Muqran bin Abdul Aziz, Secretary General of National Security Council Prince Bandar bin Sultan, Intelligence Chief Prince Khalid bin Bandar, Minister for National Guards Prince Mitab bin Abdullah and Deputy Foreign Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah were also present during the hour-long meeting.King Abdullah underlined the historical nature of close bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia which date back to the days of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He conveyed his personal sentiments and prayers for a strong, prosperous and peaceful Pakistan under the leadership of his brother Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. He further assured that Saudi Arabia would always stand by Pakistan, the statement said. Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif expressed his sincere gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his visit to Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister highlighted the special nature of brotherly ties between the two countries and emphasized that his government attached great importance to further strengthening these ties. The two leaders also discussed the challenges being faced by the Islamic Ummah and called for unity and solidarity in these critical times. The Prime Minister is in Saudi Arabia on a private visit.